Rogers doctor accused in sexual assault lawsuit

BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Arkansas – A former Rogers ophthalmologist has been sued in Benton County by a former patient who claims she was sexually assaulted during an examination.

The lawsuit, filed Sept. 19, states that the patient was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis approximately five years ago, and that her optometrist recommended that she see Dr. Robert Steven Baker, a neuro-ophthalmologist, due to the nature of her vision problems.

The lawsuit states that the patient first met Dr. Baker during an at-home neurological exam where her husband was present, and the doctor never asked her to remove any clothing. However, during a weekend appointment in September 2023 at Dr. Baker's office, the patient became uncomfortable with his behavior.

During the visit, which she assumed would be a visual examination, Dr. Baker asked the patient to spread her legs so he could move closer to her. After complying with that request, Dr. Baker said he needed to do a “sensory evaluation.” He used a tissue to touch various parts of the patient's body before asking her to lift her shirt. He explained that the examination would be inaccurate if he did this over her clothing, the complaint states.

Dr. Baker then asked the patient if she would be comfortable removing her pants, and she responded “no.” The exam continued afterward, according to the complaint, and a follow-up appointment was scheduled because the doctor claimed the exam was not entirely accurate when the patient was clothed.

The lawsuit states that the patient was concerned about returning for a follow-up appointment a week later, but was concerned about her eye pain and impaired vision.

During the follow-up examination, the lawsuit says, a female companion was in the room. Dr. Baker again suggested a sensory examination and asked the patient to remove her shirt.

While she was removing her shirt and bra, Dr. Baker sat “uncomfortably close,” according to the patient. The doctor then began poking the patient's breasts while she had her eyes closed.

The patient asked at least twice if she could put her shirt back on, to which Dr. Baker allegedly responded, “not yet,” according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that Dr. Baker obstructed the view of the female companion, causing her to feel uncomfortable.

The lawsuit also states that the doctor did not record any part of the examination in his notes.

According to the complaint, Dr. Baker had encounters with the patient that left her “traumatized and confused, resulting in extreme emotional distress and panic attacks.”

“Dr. Baker sexually abused [the patient] under the guise of a medically necessary examination,” the complaint states.

The patient is seeking “at least $75,000.01” and hopes to go to trial, the lawsuit states. The charges listed in the lawsuit include assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence or malpractice.

“Dr. Baker had a duty to possess and to exercise with reasonable care the skills and knowledge normally possessed and exercised by reputable members of his profession engaged in the practice of medicine and the specialty of neuro-ophthalmology in his or a similar location,” the complaint states. “Dr. Baker breached that duty.”

According to the Arkansas State Medical Board, Baker's license was issued in August 2020 and was set to expire on January 31, 2026. However, Baker's license was suspended on June 6, 2024, after the board “voted unanimously for an emergency order of suspension.”

5NEWS has contacted the patient's legal counsel and a phone number the medical board listed for Dr. Baker and has not received a response.

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